Oakland University works with R&E Automated Systems and Siemens to enhance Computer-Integrated Manufacturing Lab

After nine months of hard work by R&E Automated Systems, the S. & R. Sharf Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Laboratory’s conveyor system has been returned to Oakland University’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, with important, state-of-the-art updates implementing Siemens controls technology.

“Now, (using the conveyor) you can develop a controls training curriculum with a true resource that you’re gonna see in the field today,” said Christopher Stearns, R&E program and business project manager. “It has latest Siemens hardware and software architecture that is used in real-world design, so for anyone that were to go through a controls class and learn on that Siemens architecture, it would be something where you can train on the actual hardware and software that you’re gonna see in the field on a palletized conveyor at any automotive manufacturer.”

Originally donated by De-Sta-Co, the device was primarily being used for demonstrations. When R&E approached OU looking for engineering interns, they came into contact with Robert Van Til, Department Chair and Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, who told them about the conveyor.

From there, Stearns and Van Til met with Rob Neff of Siemens Industry Inc. in Troy, to look at ways to update the conveyor system. The conveyor is now equipped with state-of-the-art controllers like those used in real-world systems at companies like Chrysler. In addition, one of the Sharf Lab’s Fanuc robots has been integrated into the system.

“It makes sense to provide application items and skills necessary to do these jobs,” said Eric Kaczor, business excellence manager at Siemens. “This equipment is something that is hugely beneficial to Siemens and R&E as well the manufacturing places, because when these students are coming out of college, they can pick up these jobs and move forward in the company instead of just talking about theory.”

One of the founders of R&E, Dan Jaraczewski, is a also an OU electrical engineering alum. The company brought on Thomas Pecoraro, a junior OU ME major, to assist in the updates.

This was his second internship, and Pecoraro said he learned a lot and will continue working for the company.

The original conveyor had some older hardware and a PLC controller that needed to be updated. Pecoraro removed the old equipment, and installed the new hardware, a Fanuc robot and a Siemens controller.

The hardest part was adding the controller and programming it, which took the majority of time, but was the best learning experience, he said.

“R & E went out of their way to teach what you need to know to do these things,” Pecoraro said. “Two of the guys were with me there for a couple weeks, guiding me through and showing me how things are done, and teaching. They’re really good at training and teaching, showing you how to do things, how it’s done; they’re very knowledgeable in the field.”

Pecoraro’s work, combined with the work of R&E engineers — added up to about $50,000 in engineering labor. From working with Van Til to having help from Pecoraro, Stearns said it was a great experience overall.

“(Working with OU) has been very good, it was a relatively easy process to jump in and get going — we’re looking to continue that relationship for sure,” Stearns said.

The new and improved conveyor system has been placed in the new Sharf CIM Laboratory in the Engineering Center, ready for use in ISE courses.

“We are excited about how this conveyor system will enhance our ISE program,” said Van Til. “In fact, we are offering a new course this winter semester entitled Programmable Logic Controllers that will use the conveyor system.”

For more information about the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department’s programs, visit oakland.edu/secs/ise.

-Written by Stephanie Sokol